When we talk about mass transportation, one of its goal is to save the user a considerable amount of money and make it worth while using public transportation as compared to using private vehicles. But is it the case at all in the everyday life of an ordinary Malaysian?

The key word here is “worth while” and worth while is not always straight forward. It depends on many factors such as cost, ease of use and traffic conditions. For example, if you work in the KLCC area and live along the Putra LRT line, then it’s most economical to use the LRT to go to work everyday. You might spend around RM60-70 per week to go to work everyday and a bit more than that for a months parking not to mention getting stuck in the jam day in day out. so it would be rational to buy a Rapidpass integrasi card for RM150 for all your public transportation needs for the whole month.

But what about one time users and and groups? Simple example, 2 people want to go to Mid Valley Megamall by LRT from Wangsa Maju. The tickets to Abdullah Hukum will cost around RM2.40 per person one way, which means RM4.80 for 2 persons and Rm9.60 both ways assuming the shuttle bus to mid valley is still free, else added cost. On the other hand if the two drive there in a Myvi, for example, at most petrol will cost RM10 and parking is not that expensive, Rm1 for the first 3 hours. Making the cost around RM11.

So you see the cost is not much different. RM9.60 for public transport and Rm11 for personal transport. If they decided to take a motorcycle it won’t even be worth comparing any more.

I think the crux of the problem (public transportation utilization) is that:

1. Petrol is still cheap
2. Public Transportation is not on time

The government continuous investments on roads instead of public transportation infrastructure for the past 10 years does not make things any better. I guess this was the legacy of Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu during his reign as public works minister.

I think the billions earn from road taxes as well as tax from foreign car imports should have been used to improve the public transport system in preparation of a future where there are just to much cars on the road that driving will be too impractical.  Speaking of which, news about the proposed MRT project is practically non existent. Is it going to remain a proposal or is it going to become a reality? Only the government can answer that.

The bottom line is at the moment public transportation is only an option to avoid the rush our traffic (while being crammed like sardines in the LRT), but on leisure hours, its only for people that cant afford cars, while motorcycles are the best and cheapest way to travel within the city, although the most dangerous among them all.